The Effects Of Aristotelian Teleological Thought On Darwin's Mechanistic Views Of Evolution

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about biology.
Aristotle used teleology to explain the harmony and final results of the
earth. Teleology is the study of the purpose of nature. Aristotle believed
that scientists should follow the plan adopted by mathematicians in their
demonstrations of astronomy, and after weighing the phenomena presented by
animals, and their several parts, follow consequently to understand the causes
and the end results. Using this method, Aristotle constructed causes for body
parts and processes of the human body, such as sundry types of teeth.
Aristotle elucidated on this topic: "When we have ascertained the thing's
existence we inquire as to its nature…when we know the fact we ask the reason"
(Evans, 82).
Despite Aristotle's frequent teleological explanations, he did warn
against teleology leading to misinterpretations of facts. In a short writing on
the reproduction of bees in Generation of Animals, Aristotle was troubled that
there were insufficient observations on the ...

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unity as the most significant sections
of vitalism.

3. He debates that the entire body, rather than the parts, should be taken into
account.

4. He emphasizes the soul as the final goal.

Looking at these four traditions, it is not shocking that Aristotle thought that
single limbs, such as an arm, was a good description of organisms. This could
be compared to a house being called bricks and mortar. Rather than concentrate
on individual variability and individual pieces, Aristotle believed that it was
proper to concentrate on the "final cause" of the entire entity. Aristotle
accepted that the "soul" was probably the final cause, and his Parts of Animals
says "now it may be that the ...

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